The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee has agreed a work programme for the early part of this 2021-26, which is revised on an ongoing basis. We aim to update this page, in the light of changes agreed to by the Committee, to keep information up-to-date.

Determination of early priorities and COP26

The Committee’s first major work was a series of “scene-setting” evidence sessions with key stakeholders, to help determine priorities for this 2021-26 Parliamentary session. This included evidence about the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) held in Glasgow in November 2021, and its outcomes. Committee Members also held bilateral meetings with counterparts from around the world whilst the conference was ongoing.

The Committee will lead a Chamber debate on the COP26 legacy and preparation for COP27 on the afternoon of Thursday 24 February.

Inquiry into role of local government and partners in delivering net zero

In November, the Committee agreed to launch an inquiry into the role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland.

Phase 1 of the inquiry consists of evidence from major stakeholders through January. After the close of the Committee’s call for views on 21 January, the Committee will consider and agree further witnesses in February, with evidence likely to be taken in March and April. The Committee aims to report to Parliament before the 2022 summer recess.

NPF4

The Committee is amongst a number of Parliamentary Committees jointly scrutinising the Scottish Government’s fourth draft national planning framework (NPF4). The Committee’s focus is on how NPF4 addresses Scotland’s future needs in relation to energy and heat in buildings, transport, land use (“green infrastructure”), and the circular economy.

The Committee will take evidence at meetings on 1 and 8 February, sending its findings to the lead Committee; the Local Government Housing and Planning Committee, later in February.

Scottish Government budget

The Committee has a rolling programme of considering Scottish Government budget proposals in relation to net zero, energy and transport. This includes making proposals to the Scottish Government before the draft budget is published, usually towards the end of each calendar year.

The Committee wrote to the Scottish Government with pre-budgetary observations in November 2021. The Scottish Government’s reply of 15 December 2021 reproduces the Committee’s observations in full in its annexe, together with the Scottish Government’s replies. The Committee has invited the Cabinet Secretary NZET to give evidence on the Scottish Government, and his 2022-23 priorities, at its meeting on 1 February 2022.

Petitions

From time to time, the Convener will place consideration of current petitions on the agenda. The following petitions have been referred to the Committee this session and remain open. Click on the links for more information on each:

PE1750: Independent Monitoring of Satellite tags fitted to raptors

PE1815 Translocate protected beavers to reduce licensed killing | Scottish Parliament Website

PE1872: Improve the reliability of island ferry services